Mountain hiking trails abound in North Carolina but few, if any, are quite like the Hollow Rock Trail found within the Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area. If a moderate hike is just what you need, then the Hollow Rock is the one for you. However, if you’d like a little less sweating and more sightseeing, then the recreational area also has other trails suitable to all levels of experience and ability.
If you've never heard of Rocky Face, then you're not exactly alone. This relatively new recreation area opened less than 10 years ago.
It's found at the site of a quarry that opened in the 1920s. It remained open and fruitful through the mid-40s before closing. Today, visitors get to walk through and even play high atop the quarry's peaks as well as within the deep recesses of the remains.
Come prepared for a workout on this 3.1-mile loop. The stairs at the trailhead are only the beginning. The entire first mile is all uphill before leveling off and turning downward again.
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It's been described as a strenuous effort that is well worth every breath and every step. From high atop the peak you can relax and enjoy views that go on for tens of miles. Get an early start so you can spend as much time soaking in the scenery as possible.
But this trail isn't the only reason to visit Rocky Face Mountain. The site includes a playground for the kiddos and it's built right in to the cast offs from the quarry.
For those who are qualified to give it a go, you can even climb the 100-foot rock face to take the experience to a new height.
Down in the recesses of the park, natural flora — including many wildflowers — make exploring the one-mile paved trail fun for everyone. Informational kiosks help tell the story of the flora, the fauna, and the old quarry.
Each year in June, athletes from all over convene at Rocky Face Mountain to compete in the Vertical Mile Challenge, a 16-mile course that includes the Hollow Rock Trail to the top of the peak. It's easy to see why the race is so wildly popular.
Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area is open 365 days per year beginning at 8 a.m. The park closure time varies by season. See a complete list of times, and learn more, by visiting the official website.
Thinking about piling the family into the car to go check it out soon? Rocky Face Mountain is located near Hiddenite (address below). As a mere point of reference, it’s 65 miles north of Charlotte, 64 miles west of Winston Salem and 50 miles east of Boone.
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